WAVERLY, Iowa – Gustavus women’s track & field throwing specialist Sarah Swanson (Sr., Fairbanks, Alaska) capped her impressive Gustie career Friday at the NCAA Division III Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Championships, finishing 20th in the shot put with a throw of 12.53 meters (41-1.5).
“Her approach to the meet wasn’t any different than any other meet. Sarah was there when I talked to Marit yesterday about stepping up, performing, and really taking it to the next level,” Head Coach Dale Bahr said. “Although she wasn’t able to have that great throw she is capable of and finishing higher, that doesn’t take anything away from all the great throws she has had over her career. Her performances throughout the past few years have really proved that she is in fact one of the best throwers in Division III.
“Over her four years she’s been a consistent scorer for us and she’s scored more points for us each year than the previous year. We’ve relied heavily on her to get points at the conference meets over the last couple years and she always comes through. That was always exciting. Sarah will be missed and I’m extremely proud of what she has been able to accomplish.”
Swanson ends her career after posting an extremely successful senior campaign. The Fairbanks native claimed the MIAC indoor titles in both the shot put and weight throw, and took 17th in the shot at the NCAA Indoor Championships. For her exceptional performance during the indoor season, Swanson was named MIAC Women’s Indoor Field Athlete-of-the-Year. She continued to impress throughout the outdoor season as she took second place at the MIAC Championships in the shot put and earned a spot to compete at the national meet for the second time in one year and third time in her collegiate career.
Kim Gallavan of Baldwin Wallace claimed the national title with a throw of 14.57 meters, Samantha Dolezal of Nebraska Wesleyan took second at 14.54 meters, and Tanasha Atwater of Dubuque took third at 14.50 meters.